The Moral Energy Problem

Psychology Today

by Erik Raschke

February 23, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The article "The Moral Energy Problem" explores how systemic barriers and professional burnout contribute to the emotional strain experienced by families of disabled children and professionals working within the care system. The piece highlights a disconnect between parents, who often feel unheard and judged, and professionals, who struggle with empathy due to long hours and lack of recognition. This dynamic drains what philosopher Simon van der Weele calls "moral energy," the ability to see others as fully human. Ethnographic research in Dutch care settings reveals that professionals' capacity for empathy diminishes over time due to burnout, leading to a "moral atmosphere" where connections with residents grow strained. Parents, too, experience this erosion of moral energy when their insights are dismissed or met with skepticism by professionals. This disconnect not only harms the child but also leaves families feeling isolated and hopeless, as they navigate a system that often marginalizes their voices. Dr. Edith Raap's research on "living loss" sheds light on the chronic grief experienced by parents whose lives diverged from their imagined futures due to societal structures that sideline parental perspectives. Parents who express despair are often met with risk assessments or further alienation, rather than empathy or collaboration. This dynamic perpetuates a cycle of emotional exhaustion and moral atrophy, leaving families unable to advocate effectively for their children. The article underscores the importance of systemic change in mental health and disability care systems. By prioritizing parental voices and fostering more supportive professional environments, both families and care providers can retain the moral energy needed to recognize disabled individuals as fully human. This issue is particularly relevant to readers interested in public health, as it highlights how societal structures shape individual well-being and collective care systems.

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Originally published on Psychology Today on 2/23/2026